The world of CBD is filled with misinformation, myths, and rumors. Because this type of product is so new, it’s hard to know what’s true and what isn’t. Today we’re addressing five of the top 5 CBD myths, and debunking them.
1. CBD Myth: CBD “cures” things.
Let’s be really clear: CBD is not a cure – it’s a way of naturally helping your body’s existing endocannabinoid (eCS) system.
CBD is the natural, plant-derived cannabinoid, and helps support your body’s naturally occurring endocannabinoids levels, supporting your endocannabinoid system in functioning properly.
Endocannabinoids are produced naturally and work holistically to maintain healthy functions throughout your entire body: Your brain, immune system, organs, connective tissues, and glands, all make use of this amazing system. Your endocannabinoid system helps to create bodily homeostasis. This homeostasis is key to maintaining a number of bodily functions, including your feelings of pain, mood, appetite, memory, digestion, respiration, and many, many more.
When your endocannabinoid system is out of balance, it can become difficult for your body to regulate itself. You can become more susceptible to developing diseases and illnesses. An endocannabinoid deficiency may cause a person to experience many systemic issues. Issues with the digestive system, certain behavioral or mood concerns including stress and anxiety, and even some motor and cognitive concerns, have been linked to the endocannabinoid system.
CBD contains naturally created endocannabinoids that help keep the receptors working at optimal capacity. CBD is a safe, natural way to support the overall health of your body’s endocannabinoid system.
A healthy endocannabinoid system means you have healthy sleep, your moods are regulated, your nervous system processes pain normally, your memory works clearly, and your digestive system functions properly.
So, while CBD is not a “cure,” it may be able to help support your eCS in healthy functioning, which may support symptom relief. It’s just important to remember that when you’re trying CBD, you need to pay close attention to your individual body’s responses and needs. Remember, you are unique, and CBD works differently on everybody.
2. CBD Myth: CBD is Psychoactive.
The answer to this CBD myth is actually simple! No, CBD will not get you high, not even a little bit. There is no way it can make you feel “high.” But what does that mean?
The explanation as to why CBD can’t get you high is a little more complicated. But it comes down to understanding how CBD and THC work in your body, and on your body’s endocannabinoid system (eCS).
CBD is non-psychoactive because it does not bind with the same eCS receptors as THC. It’s THC’s ability to bind with CB1 receptors that give it it’s famous psychoactive effects. CBD does not work the same way on the brain as THC, which means it doesn’t cause the ‘high’ feeling.
Your body’s endocannabinoid system, which we’ve discussed in more detail above, is made of three main parts: Your CB1 receptors (mainly in your brain) and CB2 receptors (mainly in your body), and your body’s naturally-produced endocannabinoids.
Phytocannabinoids, like those produced from cannabis (hemp) plants, can interact with your body’s CB1 and CB2 receptors in the same way your body’s endocannabinoids do, which means they can help support your body’s own healthy eCS functioning.
CBD does not bind to cannabinoid receptors the same way as THC. It acts more on CB2 receptors, which are much more dispersed throughout the body than CB1 receptors which are located primarily in the brain. And instead of attaching directly onto the receptor, CBD impacts them indirectly. CBD may activate the other receptors and signals throughout the body, like TRPV1 receptors, which are involved with inflammation and pain regulation.
Additionally, unlike THC, most CBD comes from the male cannabis plants, the ones that make hemp. This means that the potent psychoactive effects of THC are not going to happen by consuming CBD.
3. CBD Myth: CBD makes you tired.
CBD is not a sedative in the technical sense. Instead, CBD helps supports balance in your entire body by interacting with your body’s endocannabinoid system, which means potentially better overall functioning, and better sleep.
The real truth is that everyone’s body is different. In some people, the imbalance in their eCS systems is such that using CBD will assist in developing more regular sleep patterns. Some personal reports, however, suggest that in smaller serving sizes CBD could even support feelings of alertness and energy. The bottom line is that CBD affects everyone differently depending on your own body’s needs.
While one of the possible effects of CBD is that is may promote better sleep through better eCS functioning, the myth that CBD makes you ‘tired’ isn’t always true. This effect depends on both the serving size you choose and the unique needs of your own eCS. If what you need are more of the endocannabinoids that work to support healthy sleep, CBD may help to promote healthy sleep without making you initially sleepy. But remember everyone’s body is different!
4. CBD Myth: CBD doesn’t work.
So you got excited, bought and tried Plant Therapy’s CBD and…nothing happened? You might want to believe CBD is just a marketing scam or snake oil.
Of all the CBD myths, this is the one we hear most often. Fortunately, this myth also doesn’t require much of an explanation. We’ve all heard stories of someone taking CBD for 1-2 weeks and having…nothing happen. So what’s going on?
Here’s the truth: There wasn’t an issue related to an unbalanced eCS they were trying to support by using CBD in the first place. This might be like taking Tylenol for a week when you’re not even in any pain. What exactly are you evaluating with your experiment? It makes sense that nothing would happen if nothing was wrong to begin with.
Before you try CBD, consider if you have a condition or symptom that might be helped by using CBD. Then decide if using CBD to support your eCS and natural bodily balance is right for you.
5. CBD Myth: CBD is addictive
One of the biggest worries people often have when they begin to use CBD is…is CBD addictive. Current scientific research and anecdotal evidence say no.
Additionally, because CBD is not addictive and non-psychoactive it may help support endocannabinoid health during withdrawal. In individuals suffering from addiction, CBD may be helpful, but be sure to talk to your doctor.
No matter what you decide about CBD, understand that there’s more to this potentially beneficial product than common myths. Do your research! Read some more about CBD for yourself, and make the best choice for you!
This is the info that i needed. I suffer from auto-immune disease and am looking for a more natural approach to add to my regiment
Thank you, I have wanted to try this for chronic pain. I will be looking into it further!
Very good info ! I learned a lot.
Great information! Thank you!
I have heard wonderful things about CBD the one time I tried it it made me feel super relaxed however I I am afraid it will give me a dirty drug test. Some people say it won’t other people say it will people say it depends on the manufacturer. I have been afraid don’t want to risk it but I believe it would help me a lot if I took it
We definitely understand your concern, which is why we have an entire post dedicated to this question. Hopefully it puts your fears to rest.
Very informative! So much confusing information out there right now about CBD. Thank you for this!
Very informative and educational. Definitely cleared up a few things I was not sure about. I haven’t tried it yet but when I do, it will be from Plant Therapy. Thank you for clearing up the myths!
Lots of good info!
Wonderful information! Thank you!